Springfield -XD9 Subcompact Full Review

OK, I’ve had this baby at the range and am pretty darn happy with it. I’m going to give it a thorough rundown. First of all let’s talk about price. You can get this guy from $300 to $500 (Don’t pay more than $500 for it; you can get it just about anywhere for less than $500). It comes in two kits, The standard kit (Reviewed below) and the “Essentials” kit which drops the Holster, the reloading tool and the magazine belt pouch. (See further down on the review for those components). I’d recommend getting the essentials kit at a much lower price and getting your own personal preference in magazine and holsters.

Let’s start with the magazines, this kit came with one 13 round mag (Flush) and one 16 round with grip extension. I have large hands and the 13 round mag turns this into a 2 finger gun for me. My wife has small hands and all 3 of her grip fingers are on the grip with the 13 round mag. So I did pick up a Pierce Magazine extension. This adds the length to the forward part of the grip to equal a full size mag, but still tapers back down to reduce the butt signature of the weapon to a point about ½ way between flush and full mag extensions. This is a great compromise for me, still keeps the weapon small enough to carry easily while providing a full size grip for control. Pierce grips are about $10 on Amazon. See the two pics below for the visual difference with and without the pierce grip extension. The magazines are stainless and slide like butter into the mag well of the -XD. Also the mag well is beveled very nicely and makes magazine swaps very quick and easy. I did notice that the mag with the pierce grip extension was a bit harder to seat at first, but after a couple dozen mag exchanges it’s straightened out and works as well as the others.

Without Grip Extension

The extras that come with the full kit are ok, but not top line. The mag holder is ok, good retention control, and would be ok for IDPA competition but it’s a bit bulky for Concealed carry. I prefer IWB (Inside the waistband) carry myself so this may just be my bias. The holster has a tension adjustment, but being plastic, it feels a bit “Soft”. I just didn’t like the feel of holster. Both the holster and the mag pouch have rails to hold the reloading tool. This was an interesting idea for a range tool, but it didn’t really add anything to convenience for paper punching at the range. Maybe a competition range where you would have to load mags would make good use of it. But just didn’t get used that way. The Reloading tool is great and a must have with the VERY strong magazine springs. However after loading about 400 rounds, I noticed that the bottom edge of the rail protruded a tad bit past the curve and the top of your thumb would hit it on each “Lift” of the tool. This was quickly remedied with a file in about 10 seconds. All in all, I’d recommend getting the cheaper “Essentials” kit, and put the extra money toward your own choice of holster and mag pouches. Money better spent on custom gear.

With Grip Extension

On to the gun. Where do I start? This is an excellent piece of hardware. One of the things I’ve been struggling with is a manual safety. I’ve always liked the idea of a manual safety, just adds that extra little bit of “Oops” protection. But once you study enough shootings, you realize that even the best trained may miss a safety on draw so us “Average guys” may have the same issues. I like Glocks, they are good guns, but the trigger safety as an only safety device made me wonder. Anything that pulls the trigger will set the gun off, a stick shoved into the holster walking in the woods, a slight catch of the holster as you re-holster the weapon and BANG, it can go off. So I was going back and forth in the debate for a manual safety. The -XD solved this dilemma for me by adding the grip safety as well as the trigger safety. There is no manual safety on this model, but it has both a trigger safety and a grip safety. The gun should not fire if both are not pressed. (Note, the -XD cannot be charged if the grip safety is not depressed). This little added bit of safety has no impact

Deeply Beveled Mag Well

on drawing and firing the weapon. But when holstering or handling the weapon, this added bit of safety could help prevent an AD (Accidental Discharge). Everyone says keep your booger hook off the trigger and you won’t have a problem, which “Technically” is true. But we are all human beings and even the most highly trained can have momentary lapse. And a fraction of a second or distraction as we re-holster can happen. So this extra bit of safety is just what I was looking for. So I don’t have to worry about a safety, but feel much more secure in the weapons safe storage and handling. Best of both worlds!

The next feature I’d like to talk about is the loaded chamber indicator. Some people like them some don’t give a damn. I’ve never been a fan of “press checking” a weapon. It can increase the possibility of leaving the receiver unseated. As well as take the users focus away from danger and looking down at the gun. For this reason, I’m not a big fan of “Visual” indicators because again, they distract from the situation to check. The -XD has a little lever that racks up and is easily felt with both bare skin and through gloves (I was shooting with neoprene gloves when I checked). Just slide a finger down the chamber and you’ll know immediately if there is a round chambered.

Loaded Chamber Indicator Down (empty chamber)

Same thing goes for the striker. The -XD striker actually sticks out the back of the slide when the weapon is charged. This is also easily felt with a gloved or ungloved hand. With the right holster, you can slide your thumb and index finger down the gun and immediately know if it’s loaded and armed. No need for press checks.

The sights are good. They are pretty standard sights. Easily visible in daylight, the point of impact out of the box was dead on center just above the sight radius. Can’t ask for better out of the box accuracy. I am going to get night sights though, The sights all but disappear in the dark. One upgrade recommended by my friend the shooter (Thanks Goatdog) that I will be implementing. This gun easily shot as well as I could shoot it (And will only get better as I get used to it). Anyone says a 3 inch barrel isn’t enough for 25 yard accuracy will be pleasantly surprised by this gun.

I set up 2 targets. One at 10 yards, and the other at 25 yards. (Rough estimates based on pace). I didn’t include the 3 steps from the bench to the edge of the shooting pavilion so these were about 9 feet longer than I was intending.

Loaded Chamber Indicator Down (loaded chamber)

This gun points as naturally and ergonomically perfect as the M&P or 1911’s. The grip is rounded better than the earlier Glocks (I haven’t had much time on the Gen 3 or later guns). The scallop for the thumb groove is done so well that regardless of your hand size, your thumb just rolls into it for a perfectly natural grip. Trigger pull is a solid but slightly less than a full double action. No grit or drag, clean but it could be a tad crisper. If it was a competition gun, I’d get some work done to it, but for a carry gun, it’s absolutely fine out of the box.

Unprimed

The -XD isn’t going to win any beauty contests (Check out the Kimber Solo for pretty little carry guns), but it is about as perfect ergonomically as it can get. Function over form will always be my motto.

The first 5 shots at 10 yards, new gun, not used to the sights yet, still working figuring out the best grip. This gun is every bit as accurate as I can be.

The next target was at 25 yards. You’ll see the spreads are little higher, but still easily on target. (The upper right and lower left quads are my 12 year old sons, one of the center shots hits was his but I don’t know which one). The Upper left, lower right and center are mine. Shooting 5 and 10 round groups. I am more than happy with this gun. (By the way, it was 18 degrees out with a wind-chill of 22, putting us below zero. This always makes shooting and reloading more difficult so I’m expecting to see better groups as it gets warmer).

Primed and Ready to fire

Since I don’t generally carry a spare mag unless I’m heading somewhere I don’t want to be, I like having a double stack with some extra rounds. The short stack is 13 + 1 in the chamber. And if I do carry a spare mag, it adds 16 more shots. The double stack does make the grip wider than some of the other slim carry guns, but the extra 1/5 inch or so doesn’t detract from the ease of carry of this gun, but the extra rounds could be worth their weight in gold.

Broken Down

Breakdown is simple and easy. Lock the slide back, turn the take-down lever up, release the slide back to battery, pull the trigger and pull the slide off. SIMPLE.

Reliability of the -XD’s is right up there with the Glock and M&P. This turned out to be the perfect carry gun for me. Your mileage might vary but all in all, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in this weapon.

Also, Just for a little clarification. I don’t consider a pistol in your hand and a finger on the trigger an “AD”. Thats an on purpose (Why I pointed out holstering and handling). The vast majority of AD’s that aren’t gun in hand, finger on trigger, occur during re-holstering. The grip safety helps because you can holster with your hand lifted off the backstrap. This makes it just one more tool to help avoid real AD’s while holstering or handling.

great review Doc! sounds like a right nice little shooter. ive just got one thing to ask though. how do you properly holster a handgun without putting preasure on the backstrap. its common knowledge that 99% of AD are caused by the shooters finger being on the trigger. and out of those 99 around 85+% are during reholstering. wouldnt it be easyer to teach yourself to keep your finger off the trigger than to try to adjust your grip on the firearm when you reholster it. now youve added two variables to the simple task of reholstering. im a huge fan of the K.I.S.S. i understand some peoples views on manual safties. i will always prefer one over trick triggers and other passive safty devices. but i belive there is nothing out there that eliminates human error. train right, practice right and dont shoot yourself in the foot. thanks for the review doc. makes me want to compare an xd to some of the other fine compacts out there for my next carry gun.

As I said before, if the finger is on the trigger it’s not an AD it’s an on purpose. 🙂 If your experience is mostly with the larger grip safeties on the 1911 (As my early experience was), then you are in for a pleasant surprise with the -XD. The grip safety is small and innocuous, it takes no thought or action at all to holster without depressing it, You really have to try it to see.

I’m not a fan of Trigger only safeties either because real AD’s (Not finger on trigger making the gun go bang) are most common during re-holstering, and a bit of leather from a worn holster, or some clothing catches the trigger, then BOOM, AD. I used to be a manual safety only guy, and trained my safety for countless hours of dry fire practice, but even I was guilty of missing the safety on occasion (yes, it was a bit more awkward on the a Ruger P85 than on a 1911). As I’ve matured shooting, I have determined that this is not something I want to bet my life on. The -XD is a great compromise between a trigger only and a manual safety. Since holstering is a slow and methodical thing that can be done with great care (As opposed to drawing in an emergency) since we are talking CCW weapons here, not IDAP competitions, A little extra time at the holster to prevent an AD is just another simple bit of safety. Think of it like looking left, then right, then left again when you pull out into an intersection. You don’t have to look left that second time, but it’s a simple thing to do to be safe.

So what your saying is 99 out of 100 people that shot themselves in the leg or foot while reholstering a handgun with there finger on the trigger did it on purpose??? i think you need to google “Accidental Discharge” i dont thing you understand what it actually is.
As far as manual safeties i too cut my teeth on the 1911 as well. i have never had any issues with the manual frame mounted safty (even the tiny one on my series 70 springfield) but i have had issues with the upside down slide mounted safties.(they just arnt natural to me) but that goes without saying whatever you have and learn with is what works for you. as far as the grip safety it is my opinion that it dosent replace a manual safety and as i said before, keeping your finger off the trigger is far superior way of avoiding an AD even with a manual safety, a grip safety or a trigger safety. its actually my only cavet with the finest fighting handgun ever desighned. the 1911. Even john browning realized this when he desighned his next fighting mans pistol and removed it the grip safety from the browning highpower. i am in no way mocking your review of a fine little firearm. just trying to give your readers a slightly less biased opinion when they read it. Razor

Your getting just a little vehement over opinion there razor, Nobody said a grip safety was a replacement for a manual safety, it just adds another bit of potential safety beyond just a trigger safety. As far as AD, I’m perfectly fine with defining an AD based on my own opinion.

If your finger is on the trigger, its to pull it pointed in the direction you intend it to go off. Trigger discipline is stand alone, not related to the safeties on a pistol. Trigger discipline cannot prevent a piece of leather or clothing (Or a stick picked up on a hike) from causing the trigger to be pulled on say a Glock. The grip safety is just another process (Requiring no training or conscious thought) to use and can help to prevent an AD in the holster,

Even if it only prevents 1 AD in 100 out of the thousands that happen, that tiny percentage is an improvement in safety.

Great,comprehensive review and I especially liked your delving into the issue of the grip safety. I agree totally and would be much more at ease with a chambered round with this xd than with any Glock. In fact, I would not carry a Glock with chambered round without that neat little trigger block device called a Saf-T-Blok. There have been numerous ADs with Glocks even by trained L.E.O.s The Springfield design is a more intelligent approach, recognizing human frailty and fat fingers on triggers when not cognizant – like in times of stress. In sum, great review, thanx

The grip safety won’t do anything to prevent finger on the trigger AD’s as the pistol will already be in the hand which means the grip safety will be depressed. The grip safety just adds a tiny bit of added security when the pistol is not in a full grip (such as pushing down on the slide as it goes into the holster, or when hiking through thick brush). I know first hand that a branch can reach the trigger. I had a BB pistol on my hip once in a fully enclosed holster, and I stepped into some brush and a branch pushed down between the pistol and the holster and as I stepped through it pulled back out and pulled the trigger. Luckily it was only a BB gun and the BB went into the dirt. That was probably a 1 in a hundred K chance that that could happen, but it did. A grip safety would have prevented that particular AD. Also, My holster has good retention (Not so much I can’t draw but enough I can hit the ground rolling behind cover and I don’t have to worry about it popping loose. So when I holster, I slide my hand up over the back of the slide a bit (Which unconsciously removes the web of my hand from the grip safety) so I can push the slide down into the holster without it racking the slide which can happen if you push an auto-loader into a tight holster with your hand only on the grip. This is depend on holstering styles and holster tension. THIS is just another tiny bit of added security, nothing to depend on, but even a .01% reduction in potential AD’s is still a + in my book. Particularly when it doesn’t require any kind of training or thought to use like a manual safety.

Something I’ve been curious about the XDs is how durable they are compared to Glocks. I’m not referring to reliability but rather whether it will still fire after dirt gets in it, it’s dropped, gets banged around, it gets wet, if it fires in temperature extremes.

That was one of my requirements when I was researching weapons. I wanted the “Glock Reliability” (That is in quotes because I’ve seen a few issues with Glocks just like any weapon, But overall Glocks are some of the most reliable weapons available). but wasn’t a big fan of Glocks back then (They are growing on me a bit though).

The -XD has proven time and time again to be equal to the Glocks for reliability. This is an example that I found http://arsenal.mojo4m.com/1852/ I have no intention of putting a firearm through that kind of torture and trusting my life to it. (I can’t afford that many rounds either LOL). However knowing that others have done this helps build the utmost confidence I have in this weapon. Amazing results coming from a gun at the price you can pick an -XD up for.

It’s funny because the -XD was not even on my radar, I didn’t care for the grip on the full sized -XD, so it was marked off. Then my wife tried the subcompact 9mm and fell in love, so I started doing a ton of research on it and after shooting hers and seeing how reliable and well built the -XD was plus the bonus of no manual safety, I was hooked and had to get one myself.

If you like Glocks but want better ergonomics from an equally reliable and economical package, the -XD is the way to go.

Also, in my own use and about 2000 round later in both mine and my wife’s we have not had a single issue. Not even during the 500 round break in period. My kids even shoot it and occasionally limp wrist it and have still not had an issue. (They do have issues with limp wristing a Glock and my old Ruger P85). They are getting better but it still happens occasionally on the P85, just not on the -XD’s as of yet. I am spectacularly happy with the reliability at this price.

I have 3-400 rds. through mine. I got 3 free extra mags. with purchase as well. I can hit body center mass at 40 yrds. with this sub-compact. I would prefer this to the Beretta 92 in a combat situation, but it is perfect for concealed carry as well. I have never had a jam and it is simple to strip down. I would reccomend this over any pistol out there.

I got lucky, when they ordered mine, they accidentally ordered the model with the California mags (10 rounders), when they noticed this on delivery they ordered me the 2 replacement mags and let me keep the two 10 rounders. THAT is how you do business. Great guys at Cedar Valley Outfitters.

Glad I found you from your guest post on Survivology 101. Our daughter-in-law, who had never fired a gun, expressed interest in a personal defense handgun. She shot a couple of ours and loved how my😄 45 felt in her hand and she was surprisingly on target at 7 yards. Our son wants to get her the😄 9 subcompact. Great review! I’ll be forwarding it to him.

I’d like to repost this one over at my sight as well…with proper credit to you a link to your original of course. I’m working on an Individual Preparedness Plan series and thought this would tie in nicely with the part on personal and home security. Let me know please.
Todd

i traded into a glock 27 the other day. i can’t begin to describe how much better i like the xd ergonomics in comparison. my natural point to target is much more precise. the added capacity is nice. the accessory rail is nice. the glock 27 is definitely easier to conceal, though with a rounded profile on teh slide and a shorter overall grip.

i immediately started trying to trade the glock 27 for a xd40 subcompact or full-size.

I FINALLY purchased one of these puppies at a gun show in Orlando last week. Thanks to your glowing and thorough report, I was influenced towards the Spring and totally ignored other pieces out there.
Two things come to mind: the gun is accurate-I went to 50 yds with good results and little effort. In fact, my impressions are that this thing feels like it could go on forever. While at the show,I handled the full size😄,also in a nine, and it felt just slightly heavier than the sub. Does anyone agree on this?
In closing, I have copied your review for my range buddies and may even let them try my Spring to see what it is all about.
Keep up the good work!

That was my sentiment exactly, I did not expect a subcompact like this to have the level of accuracy and natural feel that it has. It was a pleasant surprise. I have an older P85 Ruger that was always a dream to shoot. Accurate as they come, and I prefer to shoot the -XD with mag extensions.

Also, I did not like the full sized -XD grip as much. I LOVE the way the subcompact feels in my hand with the tiny extension that keeps my pinky on it, and I prefer the feel of the subcompacts grip with the extended magazine, just feels better than the full sized -XD’s grip. I still prefer the grip on the full sized M&P over the full sized -XD, but the Subcompact is just absolutely perfect in my book. Thanks for the comment.

I’m glad so many people are finding this review useful.(between 50 and 100 hits a day). This is one gun that just does not disappoint no matter what the level of the shooter.

We did a lot of looking, reading, even renting and shooting different hand guns at a local gun store/range.

Fetcher for fetcher the😄 line just made sense, in addition to being a great shooting gun. The trigger safety, the grip safety, striker block safety, the ability to tactically feel if a round is in the chamber in the dark, and if the striker is cocked also by feel made the decision easy.

XD9SC’s were not available, but we first bought an XD9 Service, and next an XD40 Service, extremely please with both. Shoots great, accurate out of the box, and each have over 1000 rounds through them with out a single issue. Put our name on the list for the first subcompact 9 to come in, and they called today to say it was in.

Ice storm, bad roads, and we were off to pick it up and shoot. Great shooting little gun, first 100 rounds were flawless. Night sights are being installed today and we will pick it up tomorrow and probably shoot again.

All 3 guns operate exactly the same, no having to wonder which gun I have in hand, and how does this model work. For carry and home defense that is not the time to fumble with a gun,

I would have to say, For the cost, this is one of the best lines of weapons for the money. You can spend more and still get less and you can spend less and get less. Thanks for commenting. I like the idea of keeping all guns operating in the same manner. (No manual safeties, and the same features across the platform). I’m tellin ya, there just is no beating this magnificent little sidearm.

Carried a Glock 23 for yrs on duty. Dept. Regs. Got rid of it the day I retired. Never was comfortable with the “safety” features of a Glock. Even though I was extremely well trained..Firearms Instructor.+ years of experience with small arms.
Here’s why:
1- Deputy was taking his Glock down for cleaning and forgot to clear the chamber and shot himself thru the hand. So much for the “pull the trigger for take down”
-a Sgt blew out a patrol Unit window on the range putting his in the truck. Got distracted for a millisecond and BANG went the back window.
-Yet another responding to a hot call balied from the Unti and his holstered Glock went off shooting him in the leg….Officer Down Officer Down !!
-Yet another was putting his in his back pocket for some odd reason and BANG ..Butt shot ! And that was just my Agencuy..there were lots in others too.
So I got a Springfield XD9 subcompact with two safeties..trigger and grip and feel a whole lot better about carrying it CCW. Have not heard of any ADs with an😄. But lotsa of them with Glocks.
Both pistols are tough as nails and accurate as you are. I give the XD9 subcompact the edge in the field.

this gun is super safe super tough reliable you cannot go wrong with a Springfield Armory pistols either the XDM 9 mm with two19 round clips are the😄 subcompact like I have its absolutely phenomenal gun for the cost /they dropped it in beach sand I believe they froze it in a block of ice and then ran a thousand rounds through it they had 6 or 7 guys loading clips handing them to the man it never jammed (gun was unubricated )for the price I don’t think you can beat it if you can find one !

Damn right. I’ve taken to calling it an “Improved” Glock🙂 All the reliability of a Glock with better ergonomics and improved features. Every time I shoot this gun I am more impressed. I’ve shot many, many guns in my lifetime. And this is by far the most reliable. I wish they would have stayed with the same grip style on the full sized they have on the sub. I’m not a fan of grip on the full sized, (But I think that’s just more personal taste and texture).

I am looking for a good pistol for my wife, and she has some trouble with arthritis. She likes the XD-S 45 I have but racking the slide is a bit of a problem. How does the😄 subcompact stack up? Also what’s the difference between the XD9 subcompact and the XD-M compact?

Personally, I don’t feel there is enough of a difference in a defensive carry gun to make the extra cost worthwhile. Particularly when you get into the smaller compacts. In competition, some of those features could be advantages. I have heard complaints from one person on the more aggressive slide serrations being a little sharp.

I wish I had purchased just the base model without the kit, as the money could have been spent on a better holster than the one that comes with it. Also the paddle holster that comes with the -XDM is a bit better.

Yes, I see your points. I have been carrying a Kahr p380 that is a real bear to rack. I guess the smaller the gun the stronger the spring, all other things being equal. There is an outfit on Gunbroker selling multiple😄 subcompacts for $433.00 which is a pretty good deal, don’t you think?

Mine is a tad stiff, but It works well, my wife’s was even more stiff but it doesn’t get shot as often. (I also spent many many hours draw/dryfire practice) so I would guess that it would loosen up a bit.

i carry my XD9 subcompact in a galco summer comfort IWB holster in the small of my back i use the full sized 16rd extended mag and i have also added a rubber pachmeyer grip sleeve i carry this gun everytime i leave my house even just to walk the dog or run to the store after a jug of milk
i have considered buying something a bit more concealable but that would mean something really small like a ruger LC9 and i like the warm and cuddly feeling that 16rd mag gives me inside.

i would add that the sights are not readily changable they require a gunsmith’s special touch and we all know just like adding a woman’s touch to your home that is never cheap.i can state from experience that two or three coats of bright red or green fingernail polish only on the dot of the frontsite makes acquisition in low light supremely easier than the factory white just remember to check on your paintjob every so often as my younger sister says to “see when you need a touch up” not a perfect solution i have heard there is a sight paint for sail that actually glows in the dark like a proper tritium night sight but haven’t seen any for sale.

I have been looking for a CCW gun. I have never owned a semi auto handgun, and have been looking alot on the different gun manufacturing sites and on the internet. I also look at gun auctions to get a feel of what it might cost. I finally narrowed it down to a Stoeger Cougar Compact 9mm and the XD9 Subcompact. How long would a gun like the XD9 last. I do not know how tough the ploymer frame is. The Cougar Compact is all metal. Only draw back is that it is longer and thicker. In you opinion, and I think I know the answer, which one would be better.

The quick answer is “A Lifetime” LOL I looked at a lot of guns before I settled on the XD9. They have done the same level of torture tests on the XD9 that they have done on Glocks and its passed with flying colors. The XD9 slide is a tad taller and thicker than many other concealed carry guns in that size, which I’d say is it’s only drawback. (Only that there are smaller light Concealed Carry guns available), If the cougar is bigger, than I’d say for CC the XD9 may be the better option. Best thing you can do is get them both in your hand and shoot them if that’s possible. If not, you have a tough decision. But the XD9 is WAY overbuilt, it can take anything you throw at it and come out smiling. The only other thing I’d say between the two. I no longer use manual safeties. Even with tremendous amounts of training, it’s still possible to miss the safety when the adrenalin dumps. But that’s a personal preference per shooter.

Thank you for getting back to me. I think the😄 would be the best choice. I do not plan on carrying all the time. Where I live there is not any since in it. Of course any thing could happen at any time, but in my 63 years I have never had any problems. I like the looks of the😄 9 subcompact, how it is taken down, and what is sent with a new one. I have never owned a semi auto handgun, so I do not know what to expect in shooting one. I shot a 45 auto in the Navy, but that was along time ago. I have revolvers, one 22 and one old 32 my dad got from his father. It is an old S&W. I have never shot it, but could possibly use it as a pocket gun. It is 9 inches long but very narrow and short. But I want a 9mm auto. The Cougar compact looks good and is metal. But the😄 subcompact is smaller, lighter, and would be easier to conceal carry than the Cougar Compact. There are several places to buy guns in my area and I have been looking for prices on the😄 subcompact. I think I have mad my decision. Your review has helped me alot, because you give an unbiased vew. thank you so much. I will continue to follow your reviews.

I think I have made my decision. I like the looks of the😄 subcompact, how it takes down, how easy the maintenance would be. I have been researching the prices of many guns in the Sikeston Missouri area. There are many places to buy the😄 subcompact. It would not be much more than the Stoeger Cougar Compact which would be heavier, longer, and thicker. I like the all metal of the Cougar Compact, but the😄 would conceal alot better. I do not intend to carry all the time. I have lived in the same area for 63 years except when I was in Tech School and the Navy. I have never had any problems, because I do not go into places like that. Of course it could happen tomorrow.. I would carry while camping, and fishing because most of the time you are alone or with my wife. And you never know about wild animals. I have an old target pistol in 22 cal, and an old S&W 32 long pistol that was my dad’s father. He shot it some, but I have not yet. I could put it in my pocket even though it is 9 inches long because it is narrow and short on the grip. Thank you so much for getting back to me and I will continue to follow your reviews. You give an unbiased view.